Visit Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
A morning visit to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, located just 18 kilometres from the city centre, is an interesting and relaxing excursion. The sanctuary offers plenty of information on the various indigenous species with a boat ride introducing a huge variety of birds including herons, spoonbills and kingfishers.
Located on six small rocky islets that were created when the Cauvery River was dammed, it was established as a sanctuary in 1940. Though small in area the isolation of the islets and the abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon make Ranganathittu a favourite abode for resident waders, wildfowl and forest birds.
It is also an Asian nesting and breeding ground for migratory species that flock here in October/November. The impressive range of bird life includes storks and ibises, egrets, spoonbills and cormorants which are best seen by rowing boat (with oarsman) in the early morning or late afternoon.